Luka Doncic is a Slovenian professional basketball player for the Dallas Mavericks of the National Basketball Association. He also represents the Slovenian national team. Born in Ljubljana, Dončić shone as a youth player for Union Olimpija before joining the youth academy of Real Madrid.
Luka Doncic: News now| New Contract| Highlights| Is playing tonight
News now:
As the Dallas Mavericks approach tipoff against the Toronto Raptors during the NBA’s Saturday slate, the biggest question remains… Can executing a trade for Goran Dragic between these two teams still occur? It’s only one game, but regardless, the Mavericks’ offense showed a real need for a secondary creator alongside Luka Doncic.
Despite getting blown out on opening night, there are still reasons to be optimistic about this Mavericks team. It’s opening night. Dallas Mavericks basketball is back.
New Contract:
To absolutely no one’s surprise, the Mavericks front office handed Doncic a five-year, $207 million supermax rookie extension as soon as possible this offseason. The deal, which kicks in during the 2022-23 campaign, solidifies him as the franchise cornerstone through 2026. (The final year includes a player option.)
| Contract: | 4 yr(s) / $32,467,751 |
| Average Salary: | $8,116,938 |
| Guaranteed at Signing | $14,244,000 |
| Signed Using: | Entry Level/Rookie |
| Free Agent: | 2022 / RFA |
Highlights: Luka Doncic
Early returns from the Jason Kidd Era show several differences from what Mavericks followers were accustomed to in 13 years with Rick Carlisle as head coach.
Dallas is now focused more on playing big — starting the 7-3 Porzingis at power forward with center Dwight Powell — to capitalize on advantages in height. There’s a stronger emphasis, players have said, on crashing for rebounds and gaining second-chance opportunities.
Is playing tonight:
Though Kidd said he was satisfied with the quality of the Mavericks’ shots, they endured stretches of scoreless possessions. They missed their first eight 3-pointers in Toronto and at one point in the second quarter in Atlanta missed nine straight field goal attempts.
“Just trying to find that balance where we don’t clog up the paint for our guards to be able to drive and kick, and add that to the game,” Porzingis said. “It’s going to be a work in progress.”
